Tell Don't Ask
Phrase · Slang & Abbreviations
Definitions
A design principle suggesting that code should tell objects what to do instead of pulling out their data and deciding externally. It favors encapsulation and behavior-centric design over scattered decision logic.
In plain English: Ask objects to do things themselves instead of reading all their data and deciding elsewhere.
Example: "If we followed tell don't ask, the invoice would calculate its own total instead of leaking internals."